Election Caretaker Period Policy Approved

At an Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday, 15 August 2017, a new Council Policy Election Caretaker Period was adopted by Council, effectively preventing any major decisions to be passed through Council during an election campaign period, supporting the City to continue to operate in a responsible and transparent manner.

City of Melville Chief Executive Officer Dr Shayne Silcox welcomed the Policy saying it would help to ensure major decisions would be avoided during a period when there are often pressure points and added public scrutiny that arises as the result of election campaigns.

“Our community rightfully have an expectation that Council decisions reflect their wishes as a whole, that we as a City conduct our business in a transparent and accountable manner and that elections are conducted in an ethical, fair and equitable manner,” said Dr Silcox.

“The new policy will provide guidance in the lead up to election day to support these values, ensuring that major decisions which would bind an incoming Council are avoided, preventing the use of public resources in ways seen to be advantageous to, or promoting current Elected Members seeking re-election and also ensuring staff act impartially in relation to candidates.

“It is hoped the caretaker period will also reassure the community that the conduct of the City’s day-to-day operations will not favour any candidates during an election campaign.”

The Policy has implications for major decision making, public consultation, publications, publishing and publication of information, the use of City of Melville resources and access to information and advice, and is to be applied in conjunction with all other relevant legislation, local laws, delegations, policies, procedures and processes of the City, providing guidance to ensure the continuation of ordinary business.

The 2017 Local Government Elections will be held on Saturday, 21 October 2017, and will be conducted by Postal Vote.

The ‘Caretaker Period’ for the 2017 Local Government Elections will take effect at 4.00pm on Thursday, 14 September 2017, in accordance with the new Election Caretaker Period Policy.